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Welcome to our Memorial & Celebration of NEHAN-E (Pari-Nirvana), the traditional day to mark the historical Buddha's death and passing from this visible world. This is also a day for each of us to remember in our homes those family and friends who have gone before.
As well, our Sangha particularly recalls Nishijima Gudo Wafu (who passed on January 28th, 2014) and Rempo Niwa Zenji (who passed September 7th, 1993). I will also be remembering three teachers who were mentors in Japan and America, and great influences on Treeleaf, Jiho Sargent Roshi, Azuma Ikuo Roshi and Doshin Cantor Roshi.
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During this Zazenkai, we will commence with SPECIAL CHANTS & a CEREMONY to recall our parents, grand-parents, siblings, our relatives near and distant, all our ancestors reaching back through the generations, and our dear friends and other cherished ones who have passed.
We have also added a special remembrance for children, born or unborn, now departed, as "we open our hearts to grief, to the bonds which will always remain, and proclaim our vow to care for the children of this world today."
For this special Zazenkai, a statue of the reclining ‘Buddha Entering Parinirvana’, a little Jizo Bodhisattva as Protector of Children, and a Plaque dedicated to all past Generations of Zen Ancestors, will be given special prominence
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Please sit with us for 90 minutes with Zazen, Heart Sutra, a special Chant & Dedication for Nehan-e (SEE BELOW) and more in our Zoom Scheduled Sitting Room here:
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JOIN ZOOM >>
The password (if needed): << dogen >>
The password (if needed): << dogen >>
For local times, please check the Practice Calendar here: TREELEAF NOW >> ( 10am Japan Saturday morning, NY 8pm, LA 5pm Friday night, London 1am and Paris 2am Saturday morning) or sit this Zazenkai any time thereafter here:
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However, "one way" live sitters are encouraged to come into the Zoom sitting, and just leave the camera and microphone turned off.
00:00 – 00:15 CEREMONY (HEART SUTRA in English) and Dedication
00:15 – 00:45 ZAZEN
00:45 – 00:55 KINHIN
00:55 – 01:25 ZAZEN
01:25 – 01:30 VERSE OF ATONEMENT & FOUR VOWS
01:30 - 01:45(?) INFORMAL TEA TIME (ALL WELCOME)
Chant Book is here for those who wish to join in: CHANT BOOK LINK
For some more information about Zendo etiquette at Treeleaf and to help you be more comfortable with joining the Zoom room, please have a look here:
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ATTENTION: Everyone, when rising for Kinhin or Ceremonies after Zazen, get up slowly, don't rush, hold something stable, you won't be "late", so TAKE YOUR TIME! Make sure you are careful getting up!
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Gassho
sat lah
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PS - There is no "wrong" or "right" in Zazen ... yet here is a little explanation of the "right" times to bow (A koan) ...
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The other video I mention on Zendo decorum is this one, from our "Always Beginners" video Series:
I also recommend a little Talk on why small rituals and procedures are so cherished in the Zendo:
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